Women’s Rugby World Cup
One of the biggest sporting events this country has ever hosted will take place from 9-26 August in Dublin and Belfast. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is coming to town. The pool stages will be played at UCD Bowl and Billings Park in Dublin on 9, 13 and 17 August. The top 12 teams in the world will play in three pools of four teams each, with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals. England are the favourites but we will all be cheering on the girls in green.
Tickets are sold out at this stage but a fantastic initiative, whereby supporters leaving the venues after the first or second match on each day will be provided with the opportunity to donate their ticket to the IRFU Charitable Trust re-use Programme. Visit www.rwcwomens.com/ for more information. Perhaps you still have a chance to see a game or two?
If you aren’t lucky enough to attend any of the games, RTÉ will show all of Ireland’s Women’s Rugby World Cup games plus the WRWC Final across TV, radio and online. Eirsport also has extensive coverage of the tournament.
Even better, watch the action unfold on tournament match day 2 in Terenure RFC. Following the Girl’s Mini-Rugby Festival in the morning, settle in and watch the Ireland V Japan on the big screen.
So what to watch out for and which teams will threaten England in their bid to retain the trophy….
Ireland
Ireland being the host nation are well within a shout of winning the tournament. Having been runners up to a strong England side in last years Six Nations and winning it as recently as 2015, we will be worthy contenders. Without doubt, the loss of Niamh Briggs through injury is a blow. However our panel is strong. We remember the famous victory in Paris over New Zealand at the last World Cup. With the country behind them, this could be their year.
England
England are deservedly tournament favorites. Having won the Six Nations with a convincing grand slam, they then beat New Zealand decisively during the summer. Definitely the team to watch…
Wales
Wales will do well to survive a tough pool.. They will need to find the consistency that was missing in this year’s Six Nations, where they managed just one win over Italy.
Italy
Italy are returning to the World Cup after a gap of 15 years. The lack of experience mean they are unlikely threaten, but maybe an upset in their first game against the USA could happen?
Spain
Excluded from the 6 Nations, Spain always use the World Cup as their chance to shine. Although it is unlikely they will beat England in their first game, they should be highly competitive in their other fixtures.
New Zealand
New Zealand are second favorites to win. They will have a point to prove after their defeat to England earlier in the year. Underestimate at your peril!
France
France have to be considered as contenders. They won the Six Nations in 2016. Les Bleues are in Ireland’s group. They came third at the last World Cup and will be hoping to improve this time around
Japan
Japan have a young squad, half of the team are aged between 17 and 21. What they lack in experience, they make up for in fitness. This super-fast squad could cause some upsets.
Canada
Canada were runners up to England at the last World Cup. They are currently ranked 3rd in the world. And with Kelly Russell appearing in her third World Cup, her second as a captain, the Canadians experience has to be respected.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong are coming to Ireland for their debut World Cup. They are unlikely to threaten the more experienced sides in their difficult pool.
The USA
The USA won the inaugural World Cup in 1991. The Eagles are currently ranked seventh in the world. Canada won the 2017 Can-Am Series, indicating that power in North America has gone north of the border. However, with stars like Naya Tapper they will be difficult to beat.
Australia
Australia are putting out an experienced side. Overall the squad features 156 caps of Test experience with nine having tasted Rugby World Cup action before, as the Wallaroos aim to build on their seventh place finish in 2014.
Ireland will take on Australia at 7pm on Wednesday, August 9th. Get behind the Girls in Green and let’s make this an unforgettable tournament!
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